Attacks in more than a dozen cities across Iraq killed 67 people on Monday, including 40 in twin blasts blamed on al Qaeda in the southern city of Kut, in the country’s bloodiest day this year.

NY POST – The surge of violence raises questions about the capabilities of Iraq’s forces after its leaders agreed to open talks with the United States over a military training mission to last beyond a projected year-end American withdrawal.

The attacks, which took place in 17 cities and also wounded more than 300 people, were quickly condemned by Iraqi leaders, with parliament speaker Osama al Nujaifi blaming security leaders for unspecified “violations.”

In the worst attack, a roadside bomb in the centre of Kut, 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of Baghdad, at 8:00am local time (0500 GMT) was followed minutes later by a nearby car bomb, medical and security officials said.